Canary island data?

Education and Social Work experts at Queen's University Belfast have conducted cutting-edge research into the global implementation of children's rights.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is the most widely ratified human rights treaty, with 196 countries committed to upholding children's rights. Despite its widespread acceptance, the translation of the UNCRC into effective domestic law and policy varies significantly. Researchers from Queen’s have led a research programme aimed at improving the legal implementation of children’s rights, particularly in Northern Ireland (NI). Their work has been pivotal in shaping policy and legislation, with impacts extending from NI to the global stage.
The research directly informed the creation of The Children’s Services Cooperation Act (2015), which requires all government departments and public bodies in Northern Ireland to collaborate in delivering children’s services. The findings have also been used by UNICEF UK to advocate for the incorporation of children's rights into law across the UK, influencing ongoing debates and legislative efforts.
Read more to find out how this cutting-edge research was conducted and the impacts it has made on children's rights.
This research from Queen's informed the Children’s Services Cooperation Act (2015) in NI.
Professor Laura Lundy at Queen's is an international expert on children’s rights and child and youth participation and author of the widely used Lundy Model of Child Participation.
This was a global study, comparing UNCRC implementation in 12 countries, influencing global best practices.
This research was recognised in UNICEF’s ‘Best of Retrospective Research’ for its global impact on advocacy and policy.

Invasive species are an escalating global issue, wreaking havoc on ecosystems and economies. Research at Queen's University Belfast is uncovering the true costs of these biological invasions, paving the way for informed policy and better management practices to mitigate the damage.
Experts in Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Earth and Marine Sciences at Queen's have collaborated with both national and international partners to focus on predicting and mitigating the spread and impact of invasive species. The research has identified invasion hotspots, emphasising the influence of climate change, human activity, and habitat connectivity. It has also highlighted the economic costs, exposing the billions of pounds in damages annually due to invasive species.
This research has significantly advanced the understanding and management of invasive species. The predictions and insights generated by this work are being utilised by policymakers, environmental managers, and conservationists worldwide. The research is expected to lead to improved policy frameworks, more effective management strategies, and heightened awareness of the economic and ecological risks posed by invasive species.
Find out more about Queen's research into climate and environmental threats.
This research at Queen's exemplifies the critical role of multidisciplinary collaboration, global data, and modelling in managing biological invasions.
By developing robust approaches and providing actionable recommendations, this research is making a tangible difference in protecting biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of invasive species.
Invasive species – organisms introduced by humans to new environments that harm the environment, economy, and society – are a growing problem worldwide.

Queen's University Belfast is working with farmers to co-create solutions to reduce their carbon footprint, including carbon storage and sequestration.
It is widely understood that methane emissions from livestock is a significant contributory factor to climate change. Recent research in Australia and the US identified a red seaweed variety that saw an 80% reduction in methane emissions when added to cattle’s feed in small quantities. This seaweed only grows in tropical areas and contains high levels of bromoform – known to be damaging to the ozone layer. Researchers at Queen’s have focused on finding a local seaweed alternative that produces similar results but doesn’t pose a risk to the ozone layer or require transportation and the associated carbon footprint.
The research at Queen's has shown promising results using native Irish and UK seaweeds. Sharon Huws, Professor of Animal Science and Microbiology at Queen’s, is expecting the combined research to evidence a reduction in GHG emissions of at least 30%.
Learn more about how researchers at Queen's are helping reduce methane emissions in farming.
Researchers at Queen’s have been feeding native seaweed supplements to cattle in a bid to reduce methane emissions by at least 30%.
Researchers at Queen’s are assessing the nutritional value of homegrown seaweeds, their effects on animal productivity, and meat quality.
Early laboratory research has shown promising results in terms of reducing methane emissions. Due to increased levels of iodine in the milk of seaweed-fed cows, researchers are now embarking on dairy trials, providing this milk to people with iodine deficiencies.